UN adopts historic resolution on human rights, sexual orientation and gender identity

Passing today by a vote of 23 to 19 (with 3 countries abstaining), an important resolution at the UN:

This historic resolution, presented by South Africa, affirms the universality of human rights, and notes concern about acts of violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. It requests the High Commissioner for Human Rights to prepare a study on violence and discrimination on these grounds, and calls for a panel discussion to be held at the Human Rights Council to discuss the findings of the study in a constructive and transparent manner, and to consider appropriate follow-up.

I’m proud to say the United States was among the countries voting yes. This is the first ever resolution of it’s kind to be passed by the UN. So what does this resolution mean? From the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association statement:

The resolution requests the High Commissioner for Human Rights to prepare a study on violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, and calls for a panel discussion to be held at the Human Rights Council to discuss the findings of the study in a constructive and transparent manner, and to consider appropriate follow-up.

This seems like an important move, particularly in light of recent acts of violence against LGBTQ folks internationally, like in Uganda.

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